Make Way for Faith
In life, we often work to please others. Sometimes we go out of our way to make someone notice us; we want their love or maybe their accolades, perhaps even their admiration or respect or maybe just simply their undivided attention. But have you ever considered what it might take to please Jesus? What it might take to gain His admiration or undivided attention? Some might say, “Well, of course I have! I know for a fact that He wants me to read and pray, so I do that, and it pleases Him.” Or, “I try to be kind to people and serve them, and that pleases Him.” Or even, “I come to church, teach, serve in one of the ministries, and invite others to come to church, too.”
Truthfully, all of those things are most likely pleasing to the Lord, but there is one account in the Gospels that clearly states what kind of behavior and state of mind and heart that not only pleases Him but WOW’s and AMAZES Him. Take a look at the account:
“When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Shall I come and heal him?’ The centurion replied, ‘Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, “Go,” and he goes; and that one, “Come,” and he comes. I say to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it.’ When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, ‘Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ Then Jesus said to the centurion, ‘Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.’ And his servant was healed at that moment.” Matthew 8:5-13
The centurion’s faith! It AMAZED Jesus!!! He was so confident in the Savior, so confident that Jesus had all authority and power in Heaven and on Earth. He believed Jesus could literally “just say the word” and ANYTHING could happen. There was no question in his mind as to whether or not Jesus could heal the servant—even at a distance! Doubt was not even a vapor lightly lingering about him. His mind and heart were decided, steadfast, and clear.
Do we have that kind of faith? Do we really believe Jesus can do ANYTHING? I’ll tell you my friends, when we start having that kind of faith, not only will we please and AMAZE our Savior, we will witness Heaven here on Earth—miraculously and explosively!
Today, let’s make way for faith. Let us clear out the spiritual doubt, lethargy, and fear. Let’s not question our Savior—even in the slightest. Let’s roll forth in faith and watch the Kingdom of Heaven ignite the Earth.
–Katie Botello